Sedan: 2012 Chrysler SRT Line

The 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8.

PHOTO: Handout, Chrysler

By Clare Dear, National Post

Originally published: October 21, 2011

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The new Chrysler management has made the SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Group a separate brand within its corporate structure. An immediate result is the expansion of the SRT lineup for 2012 to four unique vehicles. Joining the Dodge Challenger SRT8 on the team roster are the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8. All four are moved by the same muscle — a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 that capitalizes on the latest engine technologies to produce the most horsepower (465 ponies) and torque (465 pound-feet) ever, while also delivering the Hemi’s best fuel numbers.

These new models are loaded with high-tech performance features, including adaptive dampening suspension, paddle shifters on the steering column, special performance-oriented interior features and exterior styling cues, as well as a complete suite of safety technologies.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, for example, gives the “sport” in sport-utility vehicle a completely new meaning. It’s capable of flashing to 96 kilometres an hour in 4.8 seconds and brakes to a stop from that speed in 35.35 metres.

More impressive is this Jeep’s handling. This full-sized, 2,336-kg SUV performs on a road course like a sports car. With its advanced adaptive dampening suspension managed by a new Selec-Track system, this Jeep is capable of pulling 0.9 g on the skid pad. Add in the paddle shifters, the power and responsiveness of that big Hemi under the hood, plus its adrenalin-stirring exhaust note, and you have a vehicle that will deliver all the functionality of an SUV, including Quadra-Trac four-wheel drive, yet is also capable of shocking those brats in their tuner rockets.

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 combines high performance with the luxury of Chrysler’s flagship sedan. It’s a clear definition of a stealth car, with acceleration to 100 km/h in less than five seconds and quarter-mile times in the high-12-second range, yet it can easily pass at first glance as a classy country club cruiser.

The spacious cabin is decked out in soft leathers, real carbon-fibre trim and special stitching and embroidery, with heated/ventilated front seats standard. When it’s time to play, the five-speed automatic transmission can be controlled manually by paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel or by using the more conventional console-mounted shifter.

The SRT team has tuned the suspension to ensure a firm but compliant ride using Chrysler’s adaptive dampening suspension system. It uses a range of inputs, including the car’s speed, steering angle and steering speed, as well as brake torque, throttle position and lateral and vertical acceleration forces to automatically tune the suspension to suit the conditions. The driver can further adapt the suspension using either the Auto or Sport setting to adjust the shock dampening and harshness characteristics.

The e Dodge Charger SRT8 shares the same platform as the Chrysler 300 sedan. The Dodge iteration shares all the dynamic features of the Chrysler, but it does get different wheels — lightweight five-spoke, 20-inch forged and polished aluminum rims with black painted pockets — as well as special exterior features that distinguish it from other Chargers in the lineup.